SEN Support

School-based help, no formal plan yet

The school identifies a need and puts help in place itself. This follows an 'assess, plan, do, review' cycle and should feel like meaningful, tailored support — not just a label.

Your rights: Every state-funded school must appoint a SENCO and use its best endeavours to meet a child's SEN (Children and Families Act 2014, s.66).

Common pitfall: Verbal promises evaporate. If support isn't written down it's very hard to prove later.

Your voice: You know your child's history, triggers and small wins better than any professional in the room. Say what you're noticing at home — it often becomes the evidence that tips a decision in your child's favour.

• Ask the school for its SEN policy and who the SENCO is

• Request a written record of what support is in place and why

• Keep your own diary of concerns, meetings and what was promised